Smooth Collie Dog Breed

Posted by Jeanne on December 16, 2008

The Smooth Collie is very similar to his rough-coated brother. The main difference is in the coat which should be short, dense, and flat and with a thick undercoat. He is hardy and easy to rear, cleanly in his habits, and a great pal. He is easily trained for any sort of work and takes naturally to the herding of sheep and cattle.

• Head – Should be in proportion to dog’s size; skull moderately wide between the ears, and flat, tapering to the end of the muzzle, which ought to be of a fair length but not too snipey, with only a slight stop.
• Teeth – Strong and white. The top jaw fitting nicely over the lower, and where much over or at all undershot, it should count against the dog.
• Eyes – Of almond shape, set obliquely in the head, and the shade consistent with the color of the dog. A full or staring eye is very objectionable.
• Ears – Small, and when the dog’s attention is attracted, carried semi-erect; but when in repose it is natural for them to be laid back.
• Neck – Long and well arched, and shoulders muscular and sloping.
• Back – Rather long, strong, and straight, the loin slightly arched, and the chest fairly deep, but not too wide.
• Forelegs – Straight and muscular, with a fair amount of bone. The hindlegs should be rather wide apart, with stifle well bent, forming sicklehocks.
• Feet – Compact, knuckles well sprung, claws strong and close together, pads cannot be too hard.
• Coat – Short, dense flat coat, with good texture, with an abundance of undercoat.
• Symmetry – The dog should be of fair length on the leg, and his movements active and graceful.
• Height – Dogs, twenty-two to twenty-four inches; bitches, twenty to twenty-two inches.
• Tail – Of medium length, and when the dog is standing quietly, should be slightly raised, but more so when excited.